FCMA Students Take Learning Beyond the Classroom

Middle School students at Four Corners Montessori Academy (FCMA), a PreK through 8th-grade Montessori academy managed by MIChoice, got a taste of professional life by participating in a one-week internship program.

For the third straight year, FCMA has collaborated with businesses, organizations, schools, and local district courts to provide internship opportunities for 7th and 8th-grade students. Students job shadowed for one week throughout FCMA and at business locations in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties; bringing real-world experience into the classroom.

Four Corners Montessori Academy has a strong Career Development Program that assists students in understanding their interest in certain careers, as well as how to go about career preparation. These one-week, unpaid internships are an integral part of the program. Students learn professional resume and cover letter writing, effective communication skills, and interview techniques through business professionals. Students are then responsible for contacting potential employers to secure internships. This year over 15 businesses partnered with FCMA and 8th-grade students. The businesses range from financial mortgage institutions to animal hospitals, to local libraries, and inns. Seventh-grade students worked within the classrooms through evaluations, supervision, and personal reflections.

We know we have something very special within our FCMA community. The support for this internship program from our community and the connections our students were willing and able to make in preparation for this program will go a long way as they continue to grow into responsible, independent citizens of our world, said FCMA Middle School teacher, Nicholas Kaltz.

Four Corners Montessori Academy is home to over 400 students in the Madison Heights area. Through hands-on involvement outside the Montessori classroom, students are able to participate in the ever-changing world, and expand their knowledge about business; inspiring them to become career-focused as they begin making college and career path decisions.

Making positive impressions with employers this early in life gives our students a competitive advantage as they progress toward their long-term professional goals and aspirations,” said FCMA Middle School teacher, Meghan Vandenplas. “The internships show students first-hand the importance of their education and raise awareness of the skills that are critical to success.

Take a quick glimpse into FCMA’s Career Development Program

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Choice Schools Associates (CSA) is a charter school management company. We provide services such as human resources, accounting, payroll, marketing, and more to charter schools throughout the state of Michigan. Our mission is to empower every child with knowledge, skills, character and work ethic to achieve the American Dream.